Earl Lane Nuckels
08.20.50 - 04.14.09
One year ago I was sitting on my couch with my daughter and wife when I received a phone call that would change my life forever. My father had died.
The man who had taught me how to shave, how to mow a lawn, how to play guitar, how to install ugly floral wallpaper in the kitchen because your wife likes it and you don't that's just how life is, was gone. The hopes of my daughter and son growing up to hear his corny jokes and see his funny faces - gone. The expectations of being able to come to him for advice on the problems of music ministry and car maintenance and home ownership and all of those important things big and small - all gone. It was the worst moment of the worst day of what would be the worst time in my life so far.
Today marks the one year anniversary of his passing, and while the initial shock and despair have faded, there are still moments when the memories of dad bring tears to my eyes. I could fill up this entire entry with those memories, but the main thing that I remember in all of them was that at heart, he was a good, hard - working man who knew Jesus Christ.
The man who had taught me how to shave, how to mow a lawn, how to play guitar, how to install ugly floral wallpaper in the kitchen because your wife likes it and you don't that's just how life is, was gone. The hopes of my daughter and son growing up to hear his corny jokes and see his funny faces - gone. The expectations of being able to come to him for advice on the problems of music ministry and car maintenance and home ownership and all of those important things big and small - all gone. It was the worst moment of the worst day of what would be the worst time in my life so far.
Today marks the one year anniversary of his passing, and while the initial shock and despair have faded, there are still moments when the memories of dad bring tears to my eyes. I could fill up this entire entry with those memories, but the main thing that I remember in all of them was that at heart, he was a good, hard - working man who knew Jesus Christ.
Music was always a huge part of dad's life [a legacy that I seem to be perpetuating]. This morning, I've been listening to the song, Finally Home by Mercy Me, which gives a hopeful and refreshing understanding of the reunion that we will someday have with our lost loved ones who know Christ as Lord. Listen to it here.
Dad, I miss you. I love you. Thank you for teaching me so much.
Godspeed,
Nuckels
I loved reading this Chris. Love you so much. He did too.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very honorable memoir to your dad, and to your entire family. I can only imagine how proud he is of you, smiling down on you.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't seem like it's been a year. I hope you are well. I miss him too. Good memories of Thanksgivings and Christmases. God Bless.
ReplyDelete